Daily Devotional Meditations and a Biblical Perspective on Current Events

“Hawking One’s Self and Gawking at Others has become A National Pastime”

September 21, 2017

Scripture Reading – Proverbs 25

Some of my favorite proverbs are found in Proverbs 25 and as stated in verse 1, these are the proverbs of Solomon preserved by scribes of king Hezekiah’s court nearly a century after Solomon reigned as king of Israel.

The depth of wisdom and the practical nature of today’s proverbs are such it is nearly impossible for me to settle on the one’s I would have you to not only read, but also consider in your meditations. Nevertheless, for the sake of brevity, I must limit my focus.

The Internet has opened up a world of fame and infamy for those who want to leave their mark or make a name. Social media has given us an opportunity to put our world and face on display for all to see.

Hawking one’s self and gawking at others has become an all-consuming pastime. I am astonished at the post and pictures people put on Facebook and similar sites. The infatuation with self reminds me of a comment my guide in Israel made 20 years ago when he observed the national pastime of Israeli youth was “to see and to be seen”. It is estimated that 18-34-year-olds spend 3.8 hours a day social networking!

Proverbs 25:6-7cuts against the grain of our self-promoting society. Solomon urged his son to exercise discretion and humility, especially in the presence of great men. Solomon writes,

Proverbs 25:6-7–“Put not forth thyself[don’t be a self-promoter; overtly ambitious; seeking vainglory]in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of greatmen:7For betterit isthat it be said unto thee, Come up[ascend; go up]hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower[humbled; humiliated]in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.”

Luke 14:8-11– “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Friend, my purpose is not to offend; however, as some say—“If the shoe fits, wear it!”

Take a few minutes and look at your Facebook page and the pictures you have posted. Be honest about the things you have written and pictures you have posted. Forget how many “Likes” or “Comments” you have received and ask, “How much of what I write and post glorifies God?”

In a day of shameless self-promotion, HUMILITY is still the quality God cherishes in His people.

Matthew 5:3, 5 –3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.